It ’s likely that you have seen petty lizards dashing by your feet if you have ever wandered through Florida . The wildlife of Florida is remarkably various , with a large diversity of lizards among them . The purpose of this article is to familiarize you with some of the most common lizards you may see in Florida , so you may con to recognize them and enjoy the local zoology .
It ’s astonishing to determine that there are 64 metal money of lizards in Florida , and most of them are non - native . The warm climate of Florida has testify to be an idealistic home ground for these lizards , which were brought in through the exotic pet swop . As a resolution , the province has become a refuge for legion exotic reptile species .
Different Types of Lizards in Florida
Butterfly lizard
The butterfly lizard ( genus Leiolepis ) , also sleep with as the butterfly agama , is named for its spectacular scoring : lily-livered spot on the back andorange and blacklines on the sides . Since being inaugurate to Florida , they have established a healthy population . These lizards favor go on agrarian land and sandy coastal area . Their beautiful approach pattern make them classifiable , and they thrive in their new environment .
Oriental Garden Lizard
The oriental garden lounge lizard ( Calotes versicolor ) , also have it away as the eastern garden lizard , Indian garden lizard , common garden lounge lizard , bloodsucker , or changeable lizard , have a striking red pharynx during the breeding season . They grow up to 14.5 inches ( 37 cm ) in total length . Typically brown olive , they can exchange toblack or bright red . male often display pitch-black limbs and dog with a bright chickenhearted andred headand neck opening during pairing time of year , from May to October .
Green anole
Thegreen anole(Anolis carolinensis ) , also known as the Carolina anole or American chamaeleon , is native to North America . These small to medium - sized , slender lizard have long , pointed heads . Males sport a undimmed red throat fan three times larger than the females ’ , whose fans are usuallywhite to blanch pink . Females have a severalize bloodless chevron on their spine . They can grow up to 8 inches ( 20 cm ) in entire distance , with the ass comprising up to seventy percent of this length .
Brown anole
The brown Anolis carolinensis ( Anolis sagrei ) , also have a go at it as the Cuban brownish American chameleon or De la Sagra ’s Anolis carolinensis , is lightheaded browned with contraband or sullen brown markings on its back and tan to illume lines on the sides . They can change colour , usually to a non-white brownness . Their pharynx fan ranges from orangish - red to sensationalistic . Males produce up to 8 in ( 20 centimeter ) in full length , while females are slightly smaller , around 5.9 inch ( 15 centimetre ) .
Bark anole
The barque anole ( Anolis distichus ) , also known as the North Caribbean bark American chameleon or Hispaniolan gracile anole , is native to the Bahamas and Hispaniola , and was introduced to Florida in the 1940s . These modest anole , develop up to 5 in ( 12.7 cm ) including the tail , spend most of their time enjoy on tree trunks . Their colouring material grade from green to brown / gray , with a throat buff that can be orange , red , or icteric .
Knight anole
The horse American chameleon ( Anolis equestris ) , also known as the Cuban horse anole or Cuban giant American chameleon , is a gravid anole species growing up to 20 inches ( 51 cm ) in entire distance , with a tail longer than its body . Males are turgid than female and are typically brilliant green with a white-livered stripe on the side of the head and berm . Their throat buff is pink / white . Juveniles can be distinguish by light banding on their consistency . These Anolis carolinensis are dynamic during the daytime and extremely territorial .
Common Puerto Rican anole
The common Puerto Rican anole ( Anolis cristatellus ) , also known as the topknotted anole , is robust and aggressive liken to other anole . It achieve about 3 column inch ( 7.5 centimeter ) in distance , excluding the tail , with males being larger than females . Males feature a typical pentad - like sheet along their tailcoat . Their coloration tramp from gullible / gray to tan with light brown spot , a green to yellow venter , and a burn orange throat fan .
Large-headed anole
The big - headed anole ( Anolis cybotes ) , also known as the Tiburon stout anole or Hispaniolan stout anole , originates from Hispaniola and nearby island . Since being inaugurate to South Florida , it has established unchanging fostering populations . Males of this species are qualify by their large drumhead and brown coloration , with lighter stripe along the incline . They are well - adapted to their new environs and bestow to the local ecosystem as an introduced species .
Cuban green anole
The Cuban unripened American chameleon ( Anolis porcatus ) , a member of the Carolinensis group , originates from Cuba . Since being introduce to Florida , it has successfully established stable breeding populations across the state of matter . This adaptablelizard is known for its greencoloration , which serve as camouflage in its rude home ground . In Florida , it occupies various home ground , include urban areas , demonstrating its ability to thrive in diverse environments despite being introduced outside its aboriginal compass .
Hispaniolan green anole
The Hispaniolan green American chameleon ( Anolis chlorocyanus ) , also cognize as the Tiburon light-green anole or Jeremie Anolis carolinensis , hails from Hispaniola Island and portion similarity with the North American green Anolis carolinensis . Males of this species are distinguished by their light downcast throat fan , contrasting with the red throat fans of North American green anole . Females and juvenile display dark green stripe along their body , while males exhibit a burnished immature coloration . They have successfully established habitats in southern Florida since their debut .
Jamaican giant anole
The Jamaican giant anole ( Anolis garmani ) , also known as the Jamaica titan American chameleon , is a large lizard reaching up to 10.6 inches ( 27 cm ) in total length , tail let in . These American chameleon are primarily fleeceable but canturn brownduring the night . Males display orange coloration at the center of their pharynx fan , while females have a small and darker - looking throat fan . They are native to Jamaica and are know for their sizing and distinct color patterns .
Northern Curly Tailed Lizard
The Northern curly - tail lizard ( Leiocephalus carinatus ) is aboriginal to the Bahamas , Cayman Islands , and Cuba . Introduced in Palm Beach , Florida , to operate pests in sugar canes , it now inhabits other part of Florida . grownup grow up to 10 column inch ( 26 cm ) long . These alive lizards prefer sunny areas with rocks and detritus . They play bushed when captured , persist motionless for a while after being release .
Red Sided Curly Tailed Lizard
The cherry-red - sided curly - go after lizard ( Leiocephalus schreibersii ) , also have intercourse as the Hispaniolan curlytail , Hispaniolan khaki curlytail , or Schreibers ’ curly - trail lounge lizard , is an introduced species . Belonging to the Leiocephalidae family , this lounge lizard is active during the Clarence Day . It mature up to 6 atomic number 96 in body length , excluding the ass . Quick and quick , it swiftly runs for blanket when come near to evade marauder .
Indo-Chinese Forest Lizard
The Indo - Taiwanese wood lounge lizard ( Calotes mystaceus ) , also hump as the low - crested lounge lizard , is an introduced species . It has smooth shell and small spines on both side of meat of its head , with a compress prat . Its body color ranges from olive to grey , feature red spots on the back and yellow lips . These lizard can grow up to 42 cm in full length , let in the tail .
Common agama
The common agama ( Agama agama ) , also known as the red-faced - headed rock and roll agama or rainbow agama , is an innovate species . Typically brown or gray , they undergo striking vividness changes during the fosterage season , turning vivid low-spirited , red , or white-livered . normally found in menage yards , grassland , and bushy areas , these lizard have a yellow or red head . Despite their furious visual aspect , they are very shy and will quick run for cover if approach .
Florida scrub lizard
The Florida scrub lounge lizard ( Sceloporus woodi ) measures close to 5 inches ( 13 cm ) in full length , tail include . It is typically brownish or gray-headed , with discrete brown stripes running down each side of its body . Males parade turquoise coloring on their bellies and throat , while females lack this feature and may exhibit light patches on their belly . Found in scrubbing habitats such as sand pine and evergreen oak scrub , they are commonly find out basking in sunny , teetotal , opened sphere .
Eastern fence lizard
The Eastern fencing lounge lizard ( Sceloporus undulatus ) , also known as the prairie lounge lizard or northerly fence lounge lizard , grows up to 7.5 inches ( 19 curium ) in length , shadower included . They are typically brown or hoar , with keeled ordered series and a dark line along the back of the thighs . Females are grizzly with dour , wavy lines on their book binding , white venter , and sometimes light blue markings on their abdomen and throat . Males have dark-brown consistence in summertime , with light-green / blue and black mark on their throat and belly . They prefer sunny , wooded areas and are active in the dawn , seeking shelter during hot full point .
Green iguana
The dark-green iguana ( Iguana iguana ) , also lie with as the American Iguana iguana , can reach length of 5.6 substructure ( 1.7 m ) include their tail , which is long than their organic structure . Males can weigh up to 4 kg , slightly heavier than females at up to 3 kilogram . They are acknowledge by the words of spines on their tails and back , which serve as tribute . With whip - corresponding tails up to of reclaim if broken , they apply their well - developed pharynx rooter for territorial and fosterage displays . When jeopardise , they will flee and may dive into water to escape predators .
Black spiny-tailed iguana
The bleak spiny - tailed iguana ( Ctenosaura similis ) , also have it away as the calamitous common iguana or black ctenosaur , has smuggled keeled musical scale on its derriere . male person can grow up to 4 foot , 3 inch ( 1 metre ) long , with females slenderly smaller . They boast spines down their cover and motley in color , typically tan or gray with dark ring . During pairing time of year , males develop orange heads and throats , along with blue and peach colors on their jowls . Introduced to South Florida , they thrive in feral populations from North Collier County to Tampa Bay , including Key Biscayne , Broward County , and Hialeah .
Mexican spiny-tailed iguana
The Mexican spiny - tag common iguana ( Ctenosaura pectinata ) , also known as the western spiny - tailed iguana , arise up to 1.3 meters long , with female slightly smaller . They are gray / brown to brown with yellow bellies and prospicient backbone down their backs . Juveniles are shiny light-green and become darker with geezerhood . Originally from Western Mexico , they were introduced to South Florida , where they now thrive in savage populations found in Broward County , Key Biscayne , Hialeah , and Gasparilla Island since their initial release in 1970 .
Brown Basilisk
The brown basilisk ( Basiliscus vittatus ) , or striped basilisk , grows up to 24 inches ( 61 centimetre ) long , backside included . They are European olive tree - browned to brown with distinctive crossbanding on their dorsal tip and flank . A bloodless streak runs from their eye to hind leg . male person have magnanimous top and sharp claws on long toe . Notably , they can hunt on water for about 20 meters ( 66 feet ) , facilitated by flap on their hind foot that heighten airfoil area for buoyancy .
Veiled chameleon
The veiled chameleon ( Chamaeleo calyptratus ) , screw as the cone - head or Yemen chamaeleon , reaches lengths of up to 24 inches ( 61 cm ) , admit its tail . Females are shorter and stouter compared to males . Juveniles pop out off green and develop band as they suppurate . pornographic females display green hues with mottling in orange , white , scandalmongering , and tan , while male exhibit promising colors with distinct yellow or blue bands . Their ability to interchange color is tempt by temperature and accent . In Florida , they have established unchanging wild populations after escaping captivity , favoring warm habitats like deal and valleys .
Oustalet’s chameleon
Oustalet ’s chameleon ( Furcifer oustaleti ) , also known as the Malagasy jumbo chameleon , is the largest chameleon species , reaching up to 27 inches ( 68.5 cm ) in duration . They feature improbable casques on their head with crests and small triangular backbone along their spines . Typically brown or gray , females exhibit more vibrant colour than males . aboriginal to Madagascar , they have been introduced to Florida , where they populate woods , agricultural lands , and urban arena .
Jackson’s chameleon
Jackson ’s chameleon ( Trioceros jacksonii ) , also prognosticate the Jackson ’s horned chameleon or three - horned chameleon , was introduced to areas outside its native habitat . Males are distinguished by three brown horns : one on the olfactory organ and two on the orbital ridge above the eyes . Females miss these horns . They are typically bright green , sometimes with hints of white-livered or depressed , and can change color base on wellness , mood , and temperature . adult reach up to 15 inches ( 38 centimeter ) in length , with females slimly little .
Six-lined Racerunner
The brown , black-market , or saturnine green coloring and six distinct green / yellow to yellow stripes that run from header to chase after are the define features of the six - lined racerunner , or Aspidoscelis sexlineatus . Males have a palegreen cervix and light bluebelly , while females have whitened abdomen . Their tails , which are twice as long as they are , add to their svelte build . They can locomote up to 29 kilometers per hr and are quite alert . They live in a variety of habitats , such as grasslands , bumpy rock outcrop , wide floodplains , and timber .
Giant Ameiva
The Giant Ameiva , scientifically experience as Ameiva ameiva , is a striking lounge lizard found in South America . It feature a pointed head with a forked tongue , and its sleek body feature herculean hind leg . These lizards can reach lengths of up to 20 inches ( 50 cm ) . Males display vibrant green hues , whereas females exhibit lighter whole step , both adorned with fateful spots and mottling along their side . Preferring forested habitat , they prosper amidst leaf litter and beneath logs , making them good at ground - dwelling disguise .
Rainbow Whiptail
The Rainbow Whiptail , scientifically name Cnemidophorus lemniscatus , is a lounge lizard native to Central America and the Caribbean . It has been introduced to Florida , where it has successfully established unchanging populations . These whiptails typically reach lengths of about 12 inch ( 30.5 cm ) and are live for their swift agility , often fleeing when approached . Their vibrant coming into court and adaptability have facilitated their bedcover in the introduced habitat , where they prosper amidst varied environments .
Argentine black and white tegu
The ArgentineBlack and WhiteTegu , or Salvator merianae , starts off as emerald green with black marking , by and by turning completely black . Juveniles have yellow and mordant ring tails , which become solid yellow as they mature . Known for their speed and strong tails used defensively , males can reach 140 centimetre ( 4.5 human foot ) in distance . These Tegu are pop as alien pets due to their intelligence and ability to be trained .
Reef gecko
The Reef Gecko , scientifically named Sphaerodactylus notatus , also know as the Florida reef gecko or dark-brown - dotted sphaero , isnative to the United States . These secretive lounge lizard have pear-shaped bodies and large , keeled scales on their backs , reaching length of up to 2.25 inch ( 5.7 cm ) . They sport chocolate-brown body with dark spots , and females feature three wide , dark stripes on their heads . find from the Florida Keys to southeastern Florida , they opt habitat like vacant lots , pinelands , and hammock , and are most dynamic at crepuscle , foraging between concealment smear for food .
Ocellated gecko
The Ocellated Gecko ( Sphaerodactylus argus ) , also cognize as ocellated sphaero or stippled sphaero , originates from Jamaica and has been introduced to the Florida Keys , where it thrives in unchanging populations . These geckos favor forested home ground but are frequently retrieve in urban place setting , commonly image on the walls of dwelling and construction .
White-spotted wall gecko
The White - espy Wall Gecko ( Tarentola annularis ) is a big lizard reaching up to 8 inches ( 15 curium ) in duration . Found in various location in Florida after being introduced , they uprise from Saharan area . These geckos are gray to tan in color with four classifiable snowy spot on their berm , and they have bulging eyes and a skin texture resembling warts . They are commonly notice on work up walls in Florida and can seize with teeth if handled .
Flat-tailed House Gecko
The directly - chase House Gecko ( Hemidactylus platyurus ) , also known as the frilled mansion gecko or Asian house gecko , sport a long snout and concave forehead . Gray in colour , they sport a disconsolate band from middle to shoulder and have vapid tails with a sharp sidelong edge . These geckos can grow up to 6 cm in body length , with tail longer than their bodies . Introduced to Florida , they are prevailing in Miami - Dade , Pinellas , Lee , Broward , and Alachua county .
Ashy gecko
The Ashy Gecko ( Sphaerodactylus elegans ) , aboriginal to the West Indies , was first identified in Florida in 1922 , in all likelihood arriving via cargo shipments . confine chiefly to the Florida Keys , these geckos mature to just 3.9 curium in length . They are typically green with bands on their body and a crimson or blue tail , showing no distinguishing feature between male and female .
Tokay gecko
The Tokay Gecko ( Gekko gecko ) , introduced to various regions , is notable for its orotund size of it , reaching up to 12 inches ( 30 cm ) in length . With a flat yet cylindrical body , it feature subdued , gray skin adorned with red patches that aid in camouflage . Males are typically large and more bright colored than female . Known for their territorial and aggressive behaviour , they possess a stiff bite and stand out as climbers in their habitat .
Mediterranean house gecko
The Mediterranean House Gecko ( Hemidactylus turcicus ) , also known as the Turkish gecko or lunation lizard , is a small species reaching up to 5 inches ( 13 cm ) in length . characterise by sticky toe pad and turgid eyes , they are gray with dark speckle . These gecko are nocturnal hunter often picture around out-of-door illumination where they prey on insect . Originally from Northern Africa and Southern Europe , they have established populations in Florida and the Florida Keys , favoring crevices and cracks as hiding spots during the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. .
Tropical house gecko
The Tropical House Gecko ( Hemidactylus mabouia ) , also know as the Afro - American or cosmopolitan house gecko , reaches length of up to 5 inches ( 12.7 cm ) . Nocturnal by nature , they emerge at nighttime to hunt prey . These gecko can adapt their coloration from light John Brown to moody brownness to blend with their surroundings . unremarkably sighted in urban setting , they are vocal creatures , give off quick , luxuriously - pitched squeaks .
Bibron’s thick-toed gecko
Bibron ’s Thick - toed Gecko ( Chondrodactylus bibronii ) , also known as Bibron ’s sand gecko , is a full-bodied lizard known for its armored appearance . Featuring large caput and unforesightful wooden leg with self-conceited toepads , they vary in colour from greyish to brown to tan , often with colored bars and break up white eminence . Introduced to Florida in the 1970s , they can grow up to 5.5 column inch ( 14 curium ) . Native to southerly Africa , thesegeckos are smaller in Floridacompared to their African twin and can deliver a painful snack if provoked .
Indo-Pacific gecko
The Indo - Pacific Gecko ( Hemidactylus garnotii ) , also known as Garnot ’s house gecko or fox gecko , features a unconditional shadow with spine - like scales along its boundary . They exhibit an Orange River to scandalmongering belly and a dreary gray to browned body that appears translucent at dark . Growing up to 5.5 inch ( 14 centimetre ) , these gecko boom in southerly Florida , where an all - female population excels as nocturnal hunter , adept at climbing to prey on louse .
Yellow-headed Gecko
The Yellow - head Gecko ( Gonatodes albogularis ) reaches lengths of 3.5 in ( 9 cm ) . Males sport lily-livered headspring and dour blue bodies , while females are typically mottled gray . They demonstrate people of colour changes from blue - green to gray when basking in sunlight . Native to the West Indies , they were introduced to the Florida Keys , where they inhabit rock piles and buildings . Their tails feature typical white tips .
Madagascan giant day gecko
The Madagascar Giant Day Gecko ( Phelsuma grandis ) can reach length of up to 12 inches ( 30 centimeter ) . They exhibit vibrant green or blue - light-green color with a distinctive red stripe extending from their eye to nostril . Some have red bars or point on their backs , while others may expose blue dots or lack them entirely . in the beginning from northwesterly Madagascar , they have been bring in to Florida , where a few populations are immortalize .
Mole Skink
The Mole Skink ( Plestiodon egregius ) can grow up to 6 inches ( 15 cm ) , characterized by its slender body , short leg , and notably long tail . They vary in colouring from browned to gray , featuring two light stripe along their sides and orange or red tails that retain their color into maturity . These skinks are adept burrowers , choose dry , hot climates . uncouth in coastal dune , they swiftly navigate moxie to evade predators and can shed their tails as a defense mechanism .
Coal Skink
The Coal Skink ( Plestiodon anthracinus ) is a medium - sized lizard reaching up to 7 column inch ( 18 curium ) in length , lie with for its sleek dead body and short legs . Typically brown or grey , they feature two yellow or bloodless stripes along their side but miss a stripe down their back , discern them from other skinks . receive in forested areas and along flow , they opt moist habitats and seek shelter under tilt and log . When threatened , they may dive into water system and obscure under debris , utilise poop autotomy as a defence chemical mechanism .
Sand Skink
The Sand Skink ( Plestiodon reynoldsi ) , also known as the Florida sand skink , is native to Central Florida , where it inhabits underground tunnel . Growing up to 5 inches ( 13 centimetre ) in length , they are tan or grey-haired with diminished leg and tail that are half their total length . encounter in vegetated areas with damp ground , they are elusive , with only 115 known site memorialize for their home ground .
Broadhead Skink
The Broadhead Skink ( Plestiodon laticeps ) , also get it on merely as the broad - headed skink , is native and can reach lengths of up to 13 inches ( 33 centimetre ) , with males typically large than females . During bringing up season , males sport a shining Olea europaea - dark-brown to brown physical structure with a undimmed red head , while females resemble the five - lined scincid lizard with swooning dorsal stripes . Found in leafage bedding material , moist filth , and decaying woodwind instrument , they are commonly sight in habitat like rotten logs and sawdust piles .
Ocellated skink
The Ocellated Skink ( Chalcides ocellatus ) , also cognise as the eyed skink or gongilo , was put in and grow up to 12 column inch ( 30 centimeter ) in duration , including the tail . With a cylindrical body and modest head , they can weigh up to 39 grams and favor dryer habitats . ascertain in environments such as gravel comeupance and farmland , they seek resort behind vegetation to evade vulture , relying on disguise rather than pep pill .
Rough mabuya
The Rough Mabuya ( Eutropis rudis ) , also call the Brown Mabuya , originates from Southeast Asia , Indonesia , Malaysia , and the Philippines . Introduced to Florida , it remain seldom observed and secretive , with limited information available about its habits and distribution in its introduced reach . This skink ’s behavior and ecological shock in Florida are subjects of on-going study and notice .
Rainbow mabuya
The Rainbow Mabuya ( Trachylepis quinquetaeniata ) , also recognize as the African five - lined skink , is a average - sized lizard reaching up to 20 cm in length . infix to Florida , it display vary colors influenced by long time and gender , often featuring glistening scale with metallic reflexion . Typically dreary brown or Olea europaea - Robert Brown , they sport pearl white spots and three scandalmongering to orange stripes from head to bright blue tail , which may fade with years . Native to Africa , they have adapted to Florida ’s environment since their introduction .
Five-lined Skink
The Five - lined Skink ( Plestiodon fasciatus ) , also known as the American five - line scincid lizard , is a modest to medium - sized lizard reaching up to 8.5 inch ( 21.5 cm ) in length , including the tail . juvenile person are disgraceful to dark brown with five decided chicken towhite stripesand a vibrant electric blue empennage , which fleet as they mature . Adults typically become unvarying Brown University , blending into their wooded , damp habitats . They are unremarkably found in building walls and other ground - floor shelters .
Southeastern Five-lined Skink
The Southeastern Five - line Skink ( Plestiodon inexpectatus ) reaches duration of up to 8.5 column inch ( 21.5 cm ) . They have white-haired , black , or brown bodies adorned with five yellow to bloodless stripes , including one down the centre of the back and two on each side . juvenile exhibit vivid blue tails , with males often developing an orange tree to red head coloration . These scincid lizard inhabit dry wooded areas with ample tree stump for hiding , where they are nimble and problematic , using tail autotomy as a defense mechanics against vulture .
Island Glass Lizard
The Island Glass Lizard ( Ophisaurus compressus ) reach duration of up to 24 inches ( 61 cm ) and is among the smaller glass lounge lizard in Florida . Resembling snake , they are slender , legless reptiles with yellow to brown coloring and a single dreary stripe running down their side . Found commonly in sandy habitat , they are primarily active in the other even , hunting prey in undetermined area . Like other glass lizards , they practice rear end autotomy to fudge predators by breaking off their shadow .
Texas Horned Lizard
The Texas Horned Lizard ( Phrynosoma cornutum ) , introduce to Florida , is one of fourteen spikey - bodied specie known as tusk lizards native to east Texas , Louisiana , andArkansas . Once popular as pets , some believe to be escaped . Males uprise to 10 cm and females just under 12 cm . Docile despite appearances , they savour in the Sunday and burrow at nighttime to sidestep piranha . Their diet principally consist of harvester ants , often found near ant James Jerome Hill . When threatened , they puff up and can germinate blood from their eyes or mouth up to 5 foot ( 1.5 m ) , discourage predators with a noisome gustation .
Nile monitor
The Nile monitor lizard lounge lizard ( Varanus niloticus ) , originally from Sub - Saharan Africa along the Nile River , was introduced to Florida . get up to eight foot ( 224 cm ) long and weigh up to 15 kilo ( 33 pounds ) , they are make out for their mesomorphic bodies , sharp nipper , and fork glossa . In Florida , they are trespassing , dwell forests , savanna , and watercourse , feeding on a variety of prey , include snail , Pisces , frogs , ophidian , birds , and insects .
Florida Worm Lizard
The Florida Worm Lizard ( Rhineura floridana ) , also known as theNorth American worm lizardor graveyard snake , is native to Florida and occasionally found in Georgia . Belonging to the Rhineuridae syndicate , they reach up to 30 cm ( 12 in ) in length . These legless lizards have a shovel - like snout , concealed eyes , and limbless appearance resemble a louse . They prefer burrowing in dirt , sand , and leaf bedding , emerging after rain to course on dew worm , insects , and other invertebrates .
Eastern Glass Lizard
The Eastern Glass Lizard ( Ophisaurus ventralis ) is a legless , slender reptilian native to Florida , reaching length up to 43 inches ( 108 centimetre ) . They are typically yellow-bellied , brownish , or green in color and favor wetland home ground with sandy substrates , especially coastal dunes . Active during the daytime , they are often observe in open area but quick flee and hide when approach . Known for tail autotomy , their posterior breaks off to cark piranha while they escape .
Slender Glass Lizard
The Slender Glass Lizard ( Ophisaurus attenuatus ) , a legless reptilian resemble a serpent , grows up to 42 column inch ( 107 cm ) long . They are brown to yellow with dark markings that may pass with age , often feature a dorsal stripe . Found in dry , sandy habitats , they are combat-ready during the daytime and swiftly hide if draw close . Like other glass lizard , they use empennage autotomy to evade predators , breaking off a portion of their tail as a distraction .
Mimic Glass Lizard
The Mimic Glass Lizard ( Ophisaurus mimicus ) , also known as the rainbow glass lizard , touch up to 26 inch ( 66 centimetre ) in length , smaller than other glass lounge lizard in Florida . It features yellow to brown coloring with dark bar running down its side . Found in dry habitat like flatwoods , they are diurnal and speedily look for refuge under rubble if disturbed . Like other methamphetamine hydrochloride lizards , they employ tail autotomy as a defense mechanics against predators .
